Our Credentials

We are true specialists in the field of clinical negligence. It is important to realise that there are solicitors holding themselves out as clinical negligence specialists who are not. They may be personal injury lawyers who are “dipping their toes” into clinical negligence work. The best way to tell the difference between a truly specialised firm of clinical negligence lawyers and one which is “dabbling” in the field is to look at the firm’s accreditations.

Accreditations

There are two main independent organisations which give accreditation to clinical negligence lawyers – the Law Society, and Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA), a charity which helps those affected by medical negligence.

In order to be on the panel of either the Law Society or AvMA, lawyers need to prove that they have successfully conducted a high number of clinical negligence cases successfully, and understand the medical and legal issues involved. The application process is rigorous, and members are re-accredited every 5 years to ensure that their skills have not grown “rusty”.

The Clinical Negligence Team has 7 such panel memberships, and is therefore accredited to a very high level indeed.

What Legal Directories Say

There are 2 main Legal Directories who compile national information annually and rank Solicitors in specialist areas after speaking with clients and other professionals. The Clinical Negligence Team at Royds Withy King are ranked in the top tier by both Chambers and Legal 500 for Claimant Clinical Negligence law demonstrating our considerable expertise. Several Solicitors within the team are also ranked as Leaders in their Field.

“Head of department Simon Elliman (Band 1) oversees an array of complex claims, including cerebral palsy and spinal injury matters. In addition he acts on dental negligence cases. Sources say: “He is very able and he inspires confidence through calmness.”

“Kerstin Kubiak (Band 2) is an experienced partner who is recognised for her work on severe birth injury cases. She is praised as “extremely hard-working – she will do whatever it takes,” while one client describes her as “very clever, supportive and thorough. She was a powerful driving force.”

Chambers UK 2017 Thames Valley: Oxford & surrounds:

“Highly commended firm with an excellent reputation across a broad spectrum of clinical negligence matters. Routinely acts on catastrophic cases including brain and spinal injury claims. Also noted for its handling of matters arising from amputation, delayed diagnosis and weight loss surgery.

Notable practitioners:

“Head of department Richard Coleman (Band 1) offers vast experience of complex claims involving cerebral palsy, spinal injury and bariatric surgery, among other matters. “He is very good at negotiating settlements in difficult cases” and “doesn’t lose sight of the human aspect of it all,” assert sources.”

“The highly regarded Tracy Norris-Evans (Band 2) is sought after for her expertise in complex brain injuries sustained by children and adults. She is described by one client as “very friendly and compassionate: she totally understood the situation and was supportive through a difficult process.”

“The ‘knowledgeable, dependable and competent’ team is led by ‘astute strategist’ Richard Coleman and includes Tracy Norris-Evans, who is ‘extremely knowledgeable and committed to her clients’.”

Chambers UK 2016 Somerset:

“Prominent practice capable of handling the most complex brain injury cases. Also strong on spinal injury claims and cases arising out of dental negligence. Notable practitioners: Department head Simon Elliman (Band 1) maintains a distinguished catastrophic injuries practice and draws particular praise from peers for his “specialisation in birth injury work.” He is also highlighted for being “very skilled at putting people at their ease.”Paul Rumley (Band 1) regularly handles complex and rare cases, with a particular focus on birth injuries. Sources allude to his “really meticulous” approach to litigation.Kerstin Kubiak (Band 2) focuses on brain injury cases, including cerebral palsy and the delayed diagnosis of brain tumours. A client states: “Someone privately asked me to recommend a solicitor for a seriously injured child; I said, ‘Get in touch with Kerstin because she is really good.'”

Chambers UK 2016 Oxford and surrounds:

“Noted clinical negligence practice which is able to draw on the multidisciplinary background of its lawyers to advise on range of complex issues including psychiatric, spinal and neurological injuries. Also strong on cases relating to injuries suffered during cosmetic and weight loss surgery. Notable practitioners: Peers say Richard Coleman (Band 1) is a “highly self-sufficient and competent lawyer who is particularly good at quantum issues.” He maintains a strong practice which covers issues ranging from neurological and psychiatric injuries to injuries arising from negligent weight loss surgery. Tracy Norris-Evans (Band 2) is a vastly experienced clinical negligence lawyer who specialises in cases revolving around brain injuries to children and adults. A market source admires her ability to “juggle all sorts of issues and cases but never let any ball drop. She is able to pull it off all the time.”

Legal 500 2015 South West:

“well organised and efficient. Simon Elliman has expertise in cerebral palsy and dental claims. Richard Coleman has a speciality in bariatric surgery negligence.”

Legal 500 2015 South East:

“The team ‘stands head and shoulders above average’. Richard Coleman represents clients’ interests in ‘a most admirable and compassionate manner’. Tracy Norris-Evans is also recommended.”

Chambers UK 2015 Somerset:

“Strong clinical negligence practice renowned for its expertise in cerebral palsy and other birth injury work, in addition to spinal injury. Also has a notable dental negligence team”. Strengths: “They’re very active and forward-looking in terms of the way they’re moving the practice along.” What’s new? “In 2014, Paul Rumley moved from the firm’s Swindon office to its Bath office.” Work highlights: “advised on a case of dental negligence, where the claimant’s undiagnosed and untreated gum disease led to major periodontal issues requiring surgery and dental implants.” Notable practitioners: “Department head Simon Elliman (band 1) handles catastrophic and birth injury claims, including those involving cerebral palsy. Kerstin Kubiak (up and coming) is noted for her work on birth injury cases. She also specialises in gynaecological issues, obstetrics and fertility. Paul Rumley (band 1) is well known for his expertise and performance in spinal surgery cases. Clients say he “is determined and hard-working, and won’t stop until he gets to the bottom of a matter.”

Chambers UK 2015 Oxford and surrounds:

“Singled out for its experience on misdiagnosis claims, complicated birth injury cases and maternal trauma matters. Growing dental negligence practice.” Strengths: “There’s an ethos in that firm of diligence and thoroughness.” “I think they’ve been absolutely excellent. They are very proactive in terms of raising awareness.” Notable practitioners: Richard Coleman (band 1) specialises in cases of negligence in bariatrics and spinal surgery. Market sources commend him for his skills in assessing detailed quantum cases. Tracy Norris-Evans (band 2) is highly experienced in representing claimants in birth injury claims. She also conducts deputyship work for clients.”

Legal 500 2014 South West:

“well-organised team of 28 specialists is led by Simon Elliman, whose expertise includes dental negligence cases. Paul Rumley is ‘a meticulous and tenacious lawyer’ with particular experience in cardiology and cancer cases and fatal claims.”

What the team is known for: “Impressive depth and breadth of practice. Impressive track record advising on complex medical negligence cases such as birth injury claims. Also noted for its increasing bariatric and dental claims practices. Strengths – Integrity: “The team is very knowledgeable and trustworthy.” Technical ability: “The firm is well reputed for cerebral and Erb’s palsy cases. Client service/ market perception: “The team is very good, supportive and understanding.”

Legal 500 2013:

Fields over a dozen specialist clinical negligence lawyers. The ‘hugely experienced’ Simon Elliman heads a team that includes Paul Rumley, ‘an excellent clinical negligence lawyer whose capacity for hard work and eye for detail are unrivalled’.

Chambers UK 2013:

“The specialist team is renowned in the clinical negligence field for the strength of its complex birth injury work. The firm is also noted for its expertise in cases involving Erb’s palsy, spinal injuries, dental, Court of Protection and trust work. Peers rate the firm’s wide-ranging coverage in addition to the quality of the work undertaken. The firm’s remit is to focus on high-quality, high-value work, and cases handled of late include matters of cerebral palsy, wrongful birth and a claim relating to the negligent failure to appropriately treat skin cancer resulting in death.”

Legal 500 2012:

“has a reputation for complex birth injury cases and a growing dental negligence practice, and handles an increasing number of Court of Protection cases. Swindon-based Paul Rumley is recognised for his wide-ranging expertise and parliamentary lobbying. The well-respected Simon Elliman heads the team.”

Chambers UK 2012:

“The Clinical Negligence Team has national level expertise in claims relating to birth injury and cerebral palsy, inquest hearings and the fast growing area of dental negligence”

Chambers UK 2012 (South West):

“Sources highlight this team’s organisational ability, timely and clear instructions, and availability. The team has recently advised on a growing number of birth injury and dental negligence cases, while clients also benefit from the firm’s Court of Protection and trusts expertise. Head of department Simon Elliman is recognised for his adept handling of clinical negligence matters, and he has particular expertise in birth injury and cerebral palsy cases. Described as “a real pro,” Paul Rumley “knows exactly what he is doing and is very organised.” He handles a diverse workload, including high-value birth injury cases, delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis.”

Chambers 2012 UK (Thames Valley):

“The “extremely hard-working” clinical negligence team has recently handled a number of birth injury and dental negligence claims, while it is also noted for particular expertise in Erb’s palsy, bariatric (weight loss) surgery and spinal injuries cases. Client Service: “They made me feel safe in their hands; I could trust and rely on their advice.” Clients say: “Nothing was too small or too much for Richard Coleman, which has been uplifting.” He has particular expertise in GP negligence, cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, spinal injury and bariatric surgery cases. Paul Rumley impresses with his efficiency and availability on high-value, complex medical negligence matters”